Esther Anna Saarela

Esther Anna Saarela age 93, of Sebeka, MN died Friday, January 15, 2010 at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena, MN. Esther was born to Matt and Jennie (Ohlgren) Matta on August 30, 1916 in Otter Tail County, MN where she attended Country School. Esther was united in marriage to Eino John Saarela on May 18, 1937; five children were born to this union, Shirley Ann, Joyce Carolyn, Arnold Eino, Larry Eugene and Johnny David. They spent all of their married years in the Sebeka area where Esther was a housewife and homemaker who was known for her Finnish Flat Bread. Esther is survived by Shirley (Dr. David) Norman, Joyce Jampsa and her special friend Donn Hanson, Arnold (Carol) Saarela, Larry (Carol) Saarela, Johnny (Kelly) Saarela, grandchildren: Larry Keltto, Yolanda Drennen, David Line, Tina Prior, Kirby Saarela, Melissa Burch, Nicholas Saarela and Shawn Saarela, ten great grandchildren, one sister Irene Schwirzer, three brothers Reinhold Matta, Clifford Matta, Rueben Stierna She was preceded in death by her parents Matt and Jennie Matta Stierna and stepfather Emil Stierna, granddaughter Janelle Mandsager and sisters Mayme Rydie and Edith Lillquist and brother Arnold Matta. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, January 21, 2010 with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 22, 2010 at our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN with Pastor Ben Carlsen officiating. Hilda Mary Schoon will serve as organist. Mark Fulfs will solo “The Lord’s Prayer.” Congregational hymns will be “Just as I Am, without One Plea,” “He Leadeth Me” and “How Great Thou Art.” Active Casketbearers include Larry Keltto, Reverend Michael Mandsager, David Line, Kirby Saarela, Nicholas Saarela and Shawn Saarela. Interment will be at Paddock Bethany Cemetery in Paddock Township Otter Tail County. Arrangements were entrusted to Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN.